Interlocking structural units

ABSTRACT

A structural assembly is formed by a frame having a pair of spaced, parallel support components spanned by a series of spaced, parallel members orthogonal to said components, and a series of elongated structural units each longitudinally slotted to receive a corresponding member for support thereby. The frame would normally be positioned with the support components either upright for a wall or inclined for a roof or stairway, with the series of members being horizontally disposed. The structural units are successively installed on the members, each unit as it is installed interlocking with the previously installed unit to lock the series of units together in a rigid assembly. The interlocking units are monolithic bodies of structurally strong, rigid, synthetic resin foam material such as polyurethane, and thus possess superior insulating properties as well as being quite strong in compression. In constructing walls and roofs, panels of assembled frames and units are arranged in abutting, side-by-side relationship to form a multiple-panel wall or roof area. Several mechanical raceways are available and extend throughout the entire area. The individual interlocking units are molded panel sections having opposed, prefinished surfaces that become the interior and exterior of the structure. For stairway construction, a single frame is employed with the interlocking units thereon being shaped to provide treads and risers.

United States atent [191 Skinner 1451 Feb. 5, 1974 INTERLOCKINGSTRUCTURAL UNITS [76] Inventor: Jerald Paul Skinner, 220 W. 33rd St.,Topeka, Kans. 6661 l 221 Filed: July 13,1971

21 Appl.No.: 162,219

52 vs. C! .,s2/93,52/191,52/309, 52/47'8, 52/496, 52/539, 52/550 51 Int.Cl E04b 7/12, E04f11/00 [58] Field of Search 52/93, 182, 183, 188, 190,52/309, 550,233,478, 496, 539, 595, 191,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,139,004 12/1938 Davey52/496 X 2,551,345 5/1951 Scott 52/191 X 739,211 /1903 Ohaus 52/550 X1,023,878 4/1912 Ronnau 52/550 3,641,720 2/1972 Berrie 52/220 X FOREIGNPATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,070,401 2/1954 France 52/481 953,462 11/1956Germany 52/190 533,147 2/1922 France 52/86 332,693 12/1903 France 52/190Primary Examinerl-lenry C. Sutherland Assistant Examiner.lohn R.Masterman Attorney, Agent, or Firm-D. A. N. Chase 1571 ABSTRACT Astructural assembly is formed by a frame having a pair of spaced,parallel support components spanned by a series of spaced, parallelmembers orthogonal to said components, and a series of elongatedstructural units each longitudinally slotted to receive a correspondingmember for support thereby. The frame would normally be positioned withthe support components either upright for a wall or inclined for a roofor stairway, with the series of members being horizontally disposed. Thestructural units are successively installed on the members, each unit asit is installed interlocking with the previously installed unit to lockthe series of units together in a rigid assembly. The interlocking unitsare monolithic bodies of structurally strong, rigid, synthetic resinfoam material such as polyurethane, and thus possess superior insulatingproperties as well as being quite strong in compression. In constructingwalls and roofs, panels of assembled frames and units are arranged inabutting, sideby-side relationship to form a multiple-panel wall or roofarea. Several mechanical raceways are available and extend throughoutthe entire area. The individual interlocking units are molded panelsections having opposed, prefinished surfaces that become the interiorand exterior of the structure. For stairway construction, a single frameis employed with the interlocking units thereon being shaped to providetreads and risers.

29 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures Patented Feb. 5, 1974 Y 3 Sheet 2 Jcrq/dPaul Ski 4 4 77M ATTORNE Patented Feb. 5, 1974 I 3,789,556

3 Sheets$heet 5 INVENTOR.

{era/d Poul Skinner a I I ATTORNEY 1 INTERLOCKING STRUCTURAL UNITS Thisinvention relates to wall and roof systems and a stairway constructionfor homes, buildings and other structures, wherein interlockingstructural units supported on a frame are employed as the basiccomponents of a structural assembly.

In my copending applications for U.S. Letters Pat., Ser. No. 861,009,filed Sept. 25, 1969, and Ser. No. 73,345, filed Sept. 18, 1970,foundation and ceiling systems are disclosed that greatly reduce thetime required for the construction of homes and buildings through theprovision of a monolithic structural member of unique design which iscapable of itself serving as a foundation and which provides mechanicalchases to facilitate the emplacement of plumbing and electrical runs.Particularly in the construction of foundations, the weight and bulk ofmaterial to be transported to the site, the number of constructionpersonnel and the skills required, and the construction time arematerially reduced as compared with conventional foundation constructionwhere excavation is necessary, along with the usual setting of forms orthe driving of piles. As will be appreciated hereinafter, it is thebroad objective of the present invention to provide wall and roofsystems compatible with the concepts disclosed in the aforesaidapplications and useful as well with conventional foundations andceilings. A further broad objective is to provide a simple yet versatilestructural assembly which may form a panel of such a wall or roofsystem, or be employed as an interior or exterior stairway in order tomaterially reduce the time consumed in the construction of anymulti-level structure caused by the inherent necessity of providingstairways for either normal traffic or fire safety.

In present day construction of frame homes, for example, at least eightseparate steps are involved in constructing the walls of the house, notto mention the time consumed in installing any necessary mechanical orelectrical runs. First of all, the framing is erected, and plywoodboxing is then nailed on the exterior directly to the studs. An asphaltimpregnated paper or felt is then applied to the boxing, and the sidingis nailed in place to complete the exterior construction. On theinterior, however, it is still necessary to install insulation betweenthe studs and to put up dry wall or sheet rock or other interior wallmaterial, followed by taping and sanding. Finally, the desired interiorfinish is applied to the prepared wall surface. This involves a total ofeight steps as mentioned above, and there is no provision in the wallfor mechanical or electrical runs without drilling through studs. Severelimitations are placed on the installation of plumbing runs in the walldue to the insulation requirements of most climates.

A similar situation exists with respect to roof construction. In thisinstance the applicatioon of rooting, sheathing, insulation and dry wallis involved, plus the usual finishing of the interior ceiling. Besidesthe great amount of labor required, workers from a number of differentconstruction trades must be employed in order to cover the variousskills needed in wall and roof construction of this type.

It is, therefore, an important object of this invention to provide walland roof systems which may be erected in a significantly less number ofsteps than setforth above, and which provide mechanical raceways whichare built into the systems.

As a corollary to the foregoing object, it is an important aim of thisinvention to provide systems as aforesaid in which only two steps arerequired for erection of a wall or roof, that of emplacing prefabricatedframing and then installing interlocking structural units on theframing, wherein such units are in the form of a series of panelsections which interlock one with the other as they are successivelyinstalled on the framing.

It is another important object of this invention to provide a structuralassembly for use in forming walls and roofs and constructing stairways,wherein such assembly employs a series of structural units which aresuccessively installed on a frame and, upon installation, interlock withpreviously installed units to lock the series of units together in arigid assembly.

A further and important object of this invention is to provide such astructural assembly which is lightweight and may be easily transportedin preassembled form to a construction site, and which may thereafter berapidly erected by relatively unskilled labor.

Still another important object of this invention is to provide anassembly as aforesaid in which the structural units thereof may beconfigured as desired for either structural or aesthetic purposes toprovide an exterior and interior appearance in the case of walls androofs, and to provide treads and risers in the case of stairways.

Yet another important object of this invention is to provide an assemblyas aforesaid in which each of the structural units comprises amonolithic body of high structural strength particularly in compression,so that the interlocked structural units augment the load supportingcapability of the frame.

Furthermore, it is an important object of this invention to provide anassembly as aforesaid in which the structural units have superiorinsulating properties in order to provide a wall construction that doesnot require additional insulation either to prevent heat loss throughthe wall or to protect plumbing runs emplaced therein.

Additionally, it is a specific object of this invention to providestructural units as aforesaid which are composed of a structurallystrong, rigid, synthetic resin foam material such as polyurethane, andwhich may be molded as monolithic bodies and provided with shapes andsurface finishes depending upon the particular application and as may bedesired from the standpoint of the appearance of the finished structure.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a portion of a simple structure,such as a house or shed, constructed utilizing the wall and roof panelsof the present invention, certain of the interlocking panel sectionsbeing removed or broken away to reveal details of construction;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view through an exemplarymulti-story home or building showing wall and roof panels and thestairway construction of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, elevational view of the exterior of the wallshown in FIG. 2, illustrating the joints at the abutting wall panels;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, elevational view of the interior of the wallshown in FIG. 2, illustrating a joint between two abutting wall panels,parts being broken away and revealed in section to show details ofconstruction;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, side elevational view of the frame of one of thewall panels showing the panel sections being installed thereon, theupright channel of the frame closest to the viewer being removed forclarity; FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic end view of one of the structuralunits and a portion of another of the structural units of the stairwayshown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a greatly enlarged, cross-sectional view taken in a horizontalplane through the wall of FIG. 2, and showing the joint formed at twoabutting wall panels; and

FIG. 8 is an enlarged; detailed view of the joint formed between theupright wall panels and the ceiling member in FIG. 2.

WALL AND ROOF PANELS Referring initially to FIG. I, a portion of asimple structure is shown to illustrate the manner in which walls androofs are constructed utilizing the panels of the present invention. Theside wall of the structure nearest the viewer is formed by a number ofside-byside wall panels 10, three such panels 10 and a portion ofafourth panel 10 being visible. Similarly, roof panels 10a may be seenabove corresponding wall panels 10, the roof panels 10a extending fromthe near edge ofthe roof line to the ridge. The opposite slope of theroof is constructed in similar fashion, as is the side wall opposite thewall formed by the panels 10. The end wall of the structure visible inFIG. 1 is formed by four panels 10b arranged in side-by-side, abuttingrelationship in the same manner as the panels 10 forming the illustratedside wall.

All of the panels 10, 10a and 10b are of identical construction exceptfor necessary dimensional differences and variations, such as in thelength of the panel. The panel configuration may be appreciated from acomparison of FIGS. 1 and 2, the latter Figure showing one of the wallpanels 10 and the roof panel 10a thereabove. Each panel 10 comprises aframe that consists of a pair of spaced, parallel support components 12spanned by a series of regularly spaced, parallel frame members 14. InFIG. 1, it may be seen that the frame (components 12 and members 14)resemble a ladder with the members 14 being the rungs of such ladder.The frame is preferably of aluminum construction, extruded aluminumchannels being employed for the support components 12. A channel havinga width of 4 in. is suitable for average home or small buildingconstruction, in which case the cross members 14 would be aluminum pipe2 in. in diameter welded at their ends to the supporting channels. Thespacing of the channels may be from 6 to 12 ft. as desired, with thepipe members 14 being on l6 in. centers.

The panel 10 is completed by a series of structural units 16 which areinstalled on the members 14 of the frame. Each of the units 16 is amolded monolithic body of structurally strong, rigid, synthetic resinfoam material. The preferred material is polyurethane foam having a freerise core density of approximately 4-8 lbs. per cubic foot, and a skindensity of up to 60 lbs. per cubic foot. This provides a molded bodyhaving a low density core for minimum weight, combined with an integralskin of high density for increased surface strength. The polyurethanebody, though light in weight, is particularly strong in compression andthus is capable of augmenting the load bearing function of the frame.

The units 16 are configured to provide interlocking panel sections asmay be especially appreciated from FIG. 5. In both FIG. 2 and FIG. 5,the support component or channel 12 closest to the viewer is removed forclarity, revealing the cross members 14 and the opposite supportcomponent 12. The units 16 are elongated and extend along the members 14to completely fill the space between the parallel components 12, therebyforming a solid panel as is evident in FIG. 1. The outer surface 18 ofeach unit 16 is configured to provide a desired exterior appearance. Inthis instance, the surfaces l8 present the appearance of conventionalsiding or roofing.

FIGS. 2 and 5, however, reveal the units 16 as seen from one endthereof, and clearly show that each unit 16 is provided with alongitudinal slot 20 which receives the associated member 14. The effectof the slot 20 is to provide the unit 16 with a pair of fingers 22 and24 which, in the wall panel 10, depend from opposite sides ofthe member14. It should be noted that all of the members'14 of the panel 10 aresupported in a common plane by the components 12, such plane beingvertically disposed as would normally be the case with a wallconstruction. Thus, the fingers 22 and 24 of each of the units 16project transversely of the unit 16 in substantial parallelism with suchplane, and terminate in offset ends 26 and 28 in interlocking engagementwith the adjacent unit 16 as will now be discussed.

In FIG. 5 the uppermost unit 16 visible therein is shown duringinstallation thereof on the frame, while the units 16 therebelow areshown in their installed positions. It may be seen that the upper edgeportion of each unit 16 is provided with a pair of recesses 30 and 32which receive the ends 26 and 28 respectively of the fingers 20 and 22of the next unit 16 thereabove. Accordingly, the units 16 aresuccessively installed on the members 14 from bottom to top, with eachunit 16 interlocking with the next unit therebelow as it is set inposition on the associated member 14.

The offset ends 26 and 28 are of particular significance in that theyenable a positive'lock to be formed. In this respect, the axis ofalignment 34 of the members 14 passes centrally through such members andalso through the slots 20 in the units 16. The offset of the ends 26 and28, however, is such that an imaginary plane through such ends forms anangle of approximately 45 with the axis 34. Once two of the units 16 arein place neither can be rotated about its supporting member 14, and oncethe entire series of units is in place, it is impossible to remove anyunit 16 since the series is locked together in a rigid assembly. Itshould be understood that the uppermost unit 16 is positively held by anoverlying roof panel 10a or by a ceilingjoint, as will become clearhereinafter.

The manner in which the panels 10 are joined in sideby-side relationshipis best illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7. As may be seen in FIG. 7, theabutting support components or channels 12 of adjacent panels I0 areprovided with mating parts which interlock the abutting channels. Thesemating parts comprise an outwardly projecting, longitudinally extendingtongue 36 on one flange of each channel I2, and a longitudinallyextending groove 38 formed within the opposite flange of the channel 12.The channels open outwardly, thus the tongues 36 and grooves 38 of theabutting channels 12 mate as illustrated in FIG. 7 to both interlock thechannels and form a box member which provides a mechanical raceway. Theframes 12-14 of the panels are all of identical construction and aresimply alternately reversed to interfit as shown in FIG. 7.

Primary mechanical raceways are provided by the tubular cross members 14of the panel frames and the slots in the units 16. Particularly in FIG.7, it may be seen that the members 14 extend through the walls of thechannels 12 a distance equal to the length of the channel flanges, themembers 14 being brought into alignment when the frames are arrangedside-by-side. With the ends of adjacent members 14 being in abuttingengagement, it may be appreciated that continuous horizontal racewaysare provided by the members 14 along the entire wall area, through whichelectrical wiring may be fed, for example.

Referring particularly to FIG. 5, it may be seen that each supportcomponent or channel 12 has a number of rectangular openings 40 thereinwhich are aligned with the slots 20 in the units 16, the openings 40 andslots 20 being located in the common plane of the members 14. Inemploying aluminum extrusions for the channels 12, the openings 40 areprovided by press stamping the extrusions to form knockouts that may bereadily removed as desired, leaving the openings 40. Accordingly, it maybe appreciated that horizontal raceways are also provided through theentire wall area by the aligned openings 40 and slots 20 of theside-byside panels 10, these raceways being of sufficient size to handleplumbing if desired. In this regard, it should be noted thatpolyurethane has superior insulating properties and that a significantlayer of the polyurethane foam amterial is present on both sides of theslots 20, thereby providing adequate insulation to prevent the freezingof water in pipes even in severe climates.

As mentioned hereinabove, the exterior surface 18 of each of thestructural units 16 is molded with the desired exterior appearance.Furthermore, again with reference to FIG. 7, the units 16 are providedwith laterally extending lips 42 at their exterior end edges whichoverlap the flanges of the channels 12 so that the chan nels arecompletely hidden from view. Accordingly, the side-by-side panels 10have the appearance depicted in FIG. 1 without adding trim to theexterior of the structure.

On the interior of the wall, the units 16 abut the channels 12 and haveinterior surfaces 44 flush with the surfaces of the channel flanges. Atrim strip 46 is placed on the exposed flange area and would beaesthetically keyed to the interior wall finish. In this regard, theinterior surfaces 44 of the units 16 are molded to the desired interiorwall surface configuration and, together with the exterior surfaces 18,are preferably molded with the finish applied so that painting or otherdecorating is not required.

The roof panels 10a are constructed in the same manner as the wallpanels 10, and thus will not be discussed in detail herein.Corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals withthe addition of the a notation. One feature of the roof system is theemployment of a polyurethane roof end cap 48 which combines facia,soffit, and gutter in one structural element. In order to assure thatwater leakage through the roof will not occur, it may be desired in someinstances to coat the ends 26a and 28a of the fingers 22a and 24a with asuitable solvent so that, as the units 16a are installed in interlockingrelationship, a bond will be formed at the zones of interengagernent.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary multi-story structure and illustrates themanner in which the upper and lower ends of the panel frames are joinedwith an intervening ceiling. The ceiling system illustrated is formedfrom monolithic structural members of the type illustrated in myaforesaid copending application, Ser. No. 73,345. One of such members isdesignated 50 and is composed of a synthetic resin foam material such aspolyurethane, reinforced at its peripheral edges by channels 52.Although incidental to the present invention, the member 51) is crossedby a number of oval aluminum tubes 54 welded to the channels 52 toprovide structural reinforcement as well as additional mechanicalraceways.

Referring to FIG. 8, a horizontal foot 56 in the form of an extrudedaluminum strip spans the channels 12 of an individual panel frame at thebottom thereof and is welded in place. A second extruded strip 58 isbolted to channel 52 at 60 and extends in a hook shape around the upperedge of the channel 52 and over the edge of the member 50 intounderlying engagement with the footing strip 56, the latter being boltedthereto at 62. A leg 64 depends from the lowermost member 14 and iswelded to such member and to the footing strip 56; the leg 64 mayconveniently comprise the knockout stamping removed from opening 40. Anumber of such legs 64 depend from member 14 and are spacedlongitudinally therealong between the channels 12 of the panel frame. InFIGS. 2 and 8 it may be seen that the lowermost structural unit 16 ofthe wall panel of the upper story and the uppermost unit 16 of the wallpanel of the lower story are suitably configured to interfit with theceiling member 50. This also serves as a final lock on the series ofunits 16 of each wall panel of the lower story, since the uppermost unit16 is recessed to receive the edge of the member 50 thereby preventingits removal. l

The plywood subfloor of the upper story is shown at 66 and is secured byscrews or screw nails 68 to underlying extruded aluminum strips 70spanning the upstanding support elements 72 of the member 50 and securedthereon by bolts 74. The ends of the strips 70 are supported by brackets76 welded to member 14 and spaced therealong at the same invervals asthe spacing between the strips 70. As will be appreciated from myaforesaid copending application, Ser. No. 73,345, the

' upstanding support elements 72 of the ceiling member 50 are spaced atregular intervals over the entire floor area.

STAIRWAY CONSTRUCTION A stairway 78 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6 andis constructed according to the teachings of the present invention. Aframe comprises a pair of parallel, inclined support components 80similar to the components 12 of the wall panels 10, and a series ofregularly spaced, parallel members 82 spanning the components 80 likerungs on a ladder. The frame 80-82 thus formed may be consideredessentially identical to the wall panel frames, except for the spacingof the components 80 and the members 82 peculiar to stairwayconstructron.

A series of structural units 84 are carried by the series of framemembers 82 and comprise monolithic bodies of synthetic resin foammaterial, such as polyurethane. Preferably, each of the stair units 84is an integral skin polyurethane foam having a variable density asdiscussed above with respect to the units 16.

One of the stair units 84 is shown in detail in FIG. 6, together with aportion of the next adjacent unit 84 thereabove. It may be appreciatedthat the configuration of the stair unit 84 is similar to the panel unit16, in that a longitudinal slot 86 is provided which receives theassociated member 82, the stair unit 84 extending along the member 82between the side support components 80. Fingers 88 and 90 of unequallength are formed by the slot 86, the ends of such fingers beingreceived within mating recesses 92 and 94 in an upwardly extendingportion of the adjacent lower unit 84. Each unit 84 is of identicalconfiguration and is molded in a shape providing a tread 96 and a riser98.

It should be noted that the base 100 of the riser 98 (such base alsoforming the end of the longer finger 88) is in vertical alignment withthe nose 102 of the tread 96, and that the riser surface 98 is cantedinwardly beneath the tread 96 at an angle of approximately with thevertical. This cant reduces scuffing and, since the nose 102 of thetread 96 projects outwardly over the riser 98 to a point'no further thanvertical alignment with the base 100, the likelihood that one mightaccidentally trip while climbing the stairway is materially reduced.

As in the wall and roof panel construction, the off-set ends of thefingers 88 and 90 of the stair units 84 provide positive interlocking ofthe units as they are installed on the frame members 82. An imaginaryplane spanning the ends of the fingers 88 and 90 of an individual stairunit 84 forms an angle of approximately 45 with the axis of thestairway. As was discussed hereinabove with respect to the wall and roofpanel construction, this degree of offset provides maximum interlockingaction.

ERECTION OF THE SYSTEMS The wall units 16 and the roof units 16a areinstalled on their frames from the bottom up, i.e., the lowermost unitis first installed, followed by successive installation of the remainingunits of the series. The same is true for the units 1612 of the wallpanels 10b, attention being directed to the constructional variation inthese panels 10b caused by the sloping roof line with which such panelsmerge. The panel units of the present invention are installed or loadedfrom the longer units to shorter units, thus the sloping roofline doesnot interfere with installation of the units 16b after erection of thesupporting frames. It should be understood, however, that the uprightsupport components of these frames would be of different lengths toaccommodate the sloping roof, thereby requiring that certain of theupper cross members be either cantilever supported on the longer uprightor braced as appropriate to cross members therebeneath. In instanceswhere roof configurations necessitate that panel units be successivelylonger from bottom to top, reverse panel units (not shown) may beemployed to permit loading in a downward direction. Reverse units aresimilar in configuration to the standard units disclosed herein exceptthat the longitudinal slots therein face in an upward direction and thelocking fingers project upwardly in order to permit the reverse loading.

In some instances, as illustrated in FIG. 8 and definal locking willoccur when the roof is installed, as is the case with the uppermoststory shown fragmentarily in FIG. 2. Specially configured panel units tobe used in the uppermost position of the series would be provided inorder to accommodate the overlying roof.

Various conventional means of attachment may be employed at wall cornerjoints and where the upper ends of channels 12 engage the slopingchannels 12a of the roof panels. The frames of adjacent wall or roofpanels may be secured together with metal clips (not shown) embracingthe abutting, interlocked channels l2'0r 12a.

Although windows anddoorways are not illustrated herein, these may bereadily installed by cutting away the cross members 14 at the desiredlocation of the opening. A metal jamb or casing may then be installed,and such would preferably employ upright side members apertured to meetand align with the free ends of the members 14 defining the door orwindow opening. Thus, once in place, the casingor jamb becomes a part ofthe wall panel framework.

With respect to the stairway 76, the manner of erection thereof issimilar to the wall and roof panels in that the stair units 84 aresuccessively loaded in the stair frame from the bottom up. It should beunderstood that the stair units would be molded with the desired finishon the treads 96 and the risers 98 so that finishing of the exposedsurfaces is not necessary. Accordingly, the stairway 78 offers the samefeature of prefinished surfaces as was discussed hereinabove withrespect to the wall and roof panels. Railings or other ornamentation maybe secured to the components at the sides of the stairs as may bedesired for safety or appearance.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desiredto be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. A building structure comprising:

a frame having a series of spaced, generally parallel members; and

a series of structural units, each of which has a pair of fingers and aslot between said fingers receiving a corresponding member for supportof the unit thereby as the units are successively installed on themembers,

each unit in its installed position on the correspond- 5 ing memberbeing in interlocking engagement with an installed unit on an adjacentmember to lock the series of units together in a rigid assembly,

the fingers of one unit of each pair of adjacent units extending intosaid interlocking engagement with the other unit of the pair andterminating in offset ends engaging the other unit.

2. The building structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said framesupports said members in a common plane, and wherein the slots in theunits are disposed substantially in said plane.

3. The building structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fingers ofsaid one unit of each pair of units are of unequal length, presentingsaid offset ends engaging the other unit.

4. The building structure as claimed in claim 3, wherein an imaginaryline through said ends of the fingers of each unit forms an angle ofapproximately 45 with the axis of alignment of said members in saidplane.

5. The building structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of saidunits comprises an elongated, monolithic body provided with said slottherein and presenting said pair of fingers extending longitudinallythereof, said fingers projecting transversely of the body beyond themember received therebetween.

6. The building structure as claimed in claim 5,

wherein said bodies are composed of a structurally strong, rigid,synthetic resin foam material.

7. The building structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said framefurther has a pair of spaced support components extending generallyorthogonally of said members, the latter spanning said components andbeing supported thereby in a common plane, and wherein each of saidunits is elongated and extends along the corresponding member betweensaid components.

8. The building structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein said componentsextend upwardly and are disposed in upright planes to position saidmembers in a horizontal attitude, said frame and said units presenting astructural panel and each of said units comprising a monolithic,compressive load-bearing body.

9. The building structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein said frame andunits present a structural panel, and wherein is provided a plurality ofsaid panels in side-by-side relationship with said components inparallelism and with the components of adjacent panels abutting eachother, there being mating parts on said abutting components interlockingthe same.

10. The building structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein said frame andunits present a structural panel, and wherein is provided a plurality ofsaid panels in side-by-side relationship with said components inparallelism and with the components of adjacent panels abutting eachother, said members being tubular and the members of adjacent panelsbeing in alignment and communicating through the abutting components,whereby to provide mechanical raceways in thepanels.

11. The building structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein said frame andunits present a structural panel, and wherein is provided a plurality ofsaid panels in side-by-side relationship with said components inparallelism and with the components of adjacent panels abutting eachother, said components being of elongated, transversely channel shapedconfiguration, each pair of said abutting components being disposed topresent a box member defining a mechanical raceway.

12. The building structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of saidunits comprises a monolithic body provided with said slot therein andpresenting said pair of fingers extending longitudinally thereof, saidfingers projecting transversely of the body substantially parallel withsaid plane and beyond the member received therebetween,

13. The building structure as claimed in claim 12, wherein said frameand said units present a structural panel, and wherein said componentshave openings therein aligned with said slots to provide mechanicalraceways through the panel.

14. The building structure-as claimed in claim 7,

wherein said frame and said units present a structural panel, andwherein each of said units comprises a monolithic panel section ofstructurally strong, insulating material having opposed surfacespresenting a desired exterior and interior appearance.

15. The building structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein saidcomponents are inclined and disposed with said members extendinghorizontally therebetween, and wherein each of said units ishorizontally disposed and presents a tread and a riser to provide astairway.

16. The building structure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the riser ofeach unit is canted with respect to the vertical from its base inwardlybeneath the tread, said tread having a nose projecting outwardly overthe riser to a point no further than vertical alignment with the basethereof.

17. The building structure as claimed in claim 15, wherein each of saidunits comprises a monolithic body provided with said slot therein andpresenting said pair of fingers extending longitudinally thereof, saidfingers of each unit above the lowermost unit projecting downwardlysubstantially in the direction of inclination of said components andinto said interlocking engagement with the adjacent unit therebelow.

18. A structural assembly comprising:

a frame having a pair of spaced, inclined support components and aseries of spaced, generally parallel members extending horizontallybetween said components and supported thereby; and

a series of elongated structural units, each of which is provided withfinger structure and has a longitudinal slot in the unit receiving acorresponding member for support thereby as the units are successivelyinstalled on the members,

each of said units extending longitudinally along the correspondingmember between said components in continuous engagement with the memberreceived within said slot in the unit,

the finger structure of each unit projecting transversely thereof, andthe end portion of the finger structure of one unit of each pair ofadjacent units being in engagement with the other unit of the pair,

each of said units engaged by the finger'structure of an adjacent unitbeing provided with means interlocking the unit with the engaging endportion of the finger structure to lock the series of units together ina rigid assembly,

each of said units being horizontally disposed and presenting a treadand a riser to provide a stairway, the tread of each unit overlying themember received within the slot in the unit,

each unit above the lowermost unit having a base portion presenting thefinger structure thereof engaging the next unit therebeneath adjacentthe tread of the next unit.

19. The assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein each of said unitscomprises a monolithic body provided with said slot therein andpresenting said finger structure, said slot being continuous throughoutthe length of the body.

20. The assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein said bodies of theunits are composed of a rigid, synthetic resin material characterized bythe property of being of relatively low density but strong incompression, and wherein each of said members is rigidly secured at itsends to said components.

21. The assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein said finger structureof each unit comprises a pair of spaced fingers.

22. A structurally strong, lightweight stairway assembly comprising:

a frame having a pair of spaced, inclined support components and aseries of spaced, generally parallel members spanning said componentsand supported thereby in a common plane,

each of said members being rigidly secured at its ends to saidcomponents; and

a series of elongated stair units, each having a monolithic bodycomposed of a rigid, synthetic resin material characterized by theproperty of being of relatively low density but strong in compression,and provided with a longitudinal slot therein continuous throughout thelength of the unit and receiving a corresponding member for supportthereby as the units are successively installed on the members,

each of said units extending longitudinally along the correspondingmember between said components in continuous engagement with the memberreceived within said slot in the unit,

each of said units being horizontally disposed and presenting a treadand a riser with said tread overlying the member received within theslot in the unit,

each of said units above the lowermost unit having a base portionengaging the next unit therebeneath adjacent the tread of the next unitand throughout its length to provide a continuous stairway ofsuccessive, uninterrupted risers and treads.

23. A building structure comprising:

a frame having a series of spaced, generally parallel members; and

a series of structural units, each of which has a pair of fingers and aslot between said fingers receiving a corresponding member for supportof the unit thereby as the units are successively installed on themembers,

each unit in its installed position on the corresponding member being ininterlocking engagement with an installed unit on an adjacent member tolock the series of units together in a rigid assembly,

the fingers of one unit of each pair of adjacent units extending intosaid interlocking engagement with and presenting said pair of fingersextending longitudinally thereof, said fingers projecting transverselyof the body beyond the member received therebetween.

24. A building structure comprising:

a frame having a series of spaced, generally parallel members; and

a series of structural units, each of which is provided with fingerstructure and has a slot in the unit receiving a corresponding memberfor support thereby as the units are successively installed on themembers,

each unit in its installed position on the corresponding member being ininterlocking engagement with an installed unit on an adjacent member tolock the series of units together in a rigid assembly,

the finger structure of one unit of each pair of adjacent unitsextending into said interlocking engagement with the other unit of thepair,

said frame further having a pair of spaced support components extendinggenerally orthogonally of said members, the latter spanning saidcomponents and being supported thereby in a common plane,

each of said units being elongated and extending along the correspondingmember between said components whereby said frame and units present astructural panel, there being a plurality of said panels in side-by-siderelationship with said components in parallelism and with the componentsof adjacent panels abutting each other, and mating parts on saidabutting components interlocking the same. 25. A building structurecomprising: a frame having a series of spaced, generally parallelmembers; and a series of structural units, each of which is providedwith finger structure and has a slot in the unit receiving acorresponding member for support thereby as the units are successivelyinstalled on the members, each unit in its installed position on thecorresponding member being in interlocking engagement with an installedunit on an adjacent member to lock the series of units together in arigid assembly, the finger structure of one unit of each pair ofadjacent units extending into said interlocking engagement with theother unit of the pair, said frame further having a pair of spacedsupport components extending generally orthogonally of said members, thelatter spanning said components and being supported thereby in a commonplane, each of said units being elongated and extending along thecorresponding member being said components whereby said frame and unitspresent a structural panel, there being a plurality of said panels inside-by-side relationship with said components in parallelism and withthe components of adjacent panels abutting each other, i said membersbeing tubular and the members of adjacent panels being in alignment andcommunicating through the abutting components, whereby to providemechanical raceways in the panels. 26. A building structure comprising:a frame having a series of spaced, generally parallel members; and aseries of structural units, each of which is provided with fingerstructure and has a slot in the unit receiving a corresponding memberfor support thereby as the units are successively installed on themembers, each unit in its installed position on the corresponding memberbeing in interlocking engagement with an installed unit on an adjacentmember to lock the series of units together in a rigid assembly, thefinger structure of one unit of each pair of adjacent units extendinginto said interlocking engagement with the other unit of the pair, saidframe further having a pair of spaced support components extendinggenerally orthogonally of said members, the latter spanning saidcomponents and being supported therein in a common plane, each of saidunits being elongated and extending along the corresponding memberbetween said components whereby said frame and units present astructural panel, there being a plurality of said panels in side-by-siderelationship with said components in parallelism and with the componentsof adjacent panels abutting each other, said components being ofelongated, transversely channel shaped configuration and each pair ofsaid abutting components being disposed to present a box member defininga mechanical raceway.

27. A building structure comprising: 7

a frame having a series of spaced, generally parallel members; and

a series of structural units, each of which has a pair of fingers and aslot in the unit receiving a corresponding member for support thereby asthe units are successively installed on the members,

each unit in its installed position on the corresponding member being ininterlocking engagement with an installed unit on an adjacent member tolock the series of units together in a rigid assembly,

the fingers of one unit of each pair of adjacent units extending intosaid interlocking engagement with the other unit of the pair,-

said frame further having a pair of spaced, inclined support componentsextending generally orthogonally of said members, the latter extendinghorizontally between said components and being supported thereby in acommon plane,

each of said units being elongated and extending along the correspondingmember between said components, each of said units being horizontallydisposed and presenting a tread and a riser to provide a stairway.

28. The building structure as claimed in claim 27, whrein the riser ofeach unit is canted with respect to the vertical from its base inwardlybeneath the tread, said tread having a nose projecting outwardly overthe riser to a point no further than vertical alignment with the basethereof.

29. The building structure as claimed in claim 27, wherein each of saidunits comprises a monolithic body provided with said slot therein andpresenting said pair of fingers extending longitudinally thereof, saidslot in each unit being disposed between the fingers thereof, saidfingers of each unit above the lowermost unit projecting downwardlysubstantially in the directioon of inclination of said components andinto said interlocking engagement with the adjacent unit therebelow.

1. A building structure comprising: a frame having a series of spaced,generally parallel members; and a series of structural units, each ofwhich has a pair of fingers and a slot between said fingers receiving acorresponding member for support of the unit thereby as the units aresuccessively installed on the members, each unit in its installedposition on the corresponding member being in interlocking engagementwith an installed unit on an adjacent member to lock the series of unitstogether in a rigid assembly, the fingers of one unit of each pair ofadjacent units extending into said interlocking engagement with theother unit of the pair and terminating in offset ends engaging the otherunit.
 2. The building structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidframe supports said members in a common plane, and wherein the slots inthe units are disposed substantially in said plane.
 3. The buildingstructure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fingers of said one unit ofeach pair of units are of unequal length, presenting said offset endsengaging the other unit.
 4. The building structure as claimed in claim3, wherein an imaginary line through said ends of the fingers of eachunit forms an angle of approximately 45* with the axis of alignment ofsaid members in said plane.
 5. The building structure as claimed inclaim 1, wherein each of said units comprises an elongated, monolithicbody provided with said slot therein and presenting said pair of fingersextending longitudinally thereof, said fingers projecting transverselyof the body beyond the member received therebetween.
 6. The buildingstructure as claimed in claim 5, wherein said bodies are composed of astructurally strong, rigid, synthetic resin foam material.
 7. Thebuilding structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame further hasa pair of spaced support components extending generally orthogonally ofsaid members, the latter spanning said components and being supportedthereby in a common plane, and wherein each of said units is elongatedand extends along the corresponding member between said components. 8.The building structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein said componentsextend upwardly and are disposed in upright planes to position saidmembers in a horizontal attitude, said frame and said units presenting astructural panel and each of said units comprising a monolithic,compressive load-bearing body.
 9. The building structure as claimed inclaim 7, wherein said frame and units present a structural panel, andwherein is provided a plurality of said panels in side-by-siderelationship with said components in parallelism and with the componentsof adjacent panels abutting each other, there being mating parts on saidabutting components interlocking the same.
 10. The building structure asclaimed in claim 7, wherein said frame and units present a structuralpanel, and wherein is provided a plurality of said panels inside-by-side relationship with said components in parallelism and withthe components of adjacent panels abutting each other, said membersbeing tubular and the members of adjacent panels being in alignment andcommunicating through the abutting components, whereby to providemechanical raceways in the panels.
 11. The building structure as claimedin claim 7, wherein said frame and units present a structural panel, andwherein is provided a plurality of said panels in side-by-siderelationship with said components in parallelism and with the componentsof adjacent panels abutting each other, said components being ofelongated, transversely channel shaped configuration, each pair of saidabutting components being disposed to preseNt a box member defining amechanical raceway.
 12. The building structure as claimed in claim 7,wherein each of said units comprises a monolithic body provided withsaid slot therein and presenting said pair of fingers extendinglongitudinally thereof, said fingers projecting transversely of the bodysubstantially parallel with said plane and beyond the member receivedtherebetween.
 13. The building structure as claimed in claim 12, whereinsaid frame and said units present a structural panel, and wherein saidcomponents have openings therein aligned with said slots to providemechanical raceways through the panel.
 14. The building structure asclaimed in claim 7, wherein said frame and said units present astructural panel, and wherein each of said units comprises a monolithicpanel section of structurally strong, insulating material having opposedsurfaces presenting a desired exterior and interior appearance.
 15. Thebuilding structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein said components areinclined and disposed with said members extending horizontallytherebetween, and wherein each of said units is horizontally disposedand presents a tread and a riser to provide a stairway.
 16. The buildingstructure as claimed in claim 15, wherein the riser of each unit iscanted with respect to the vertical from its base inwardly beneath thetread, said tread having a nose projecting outwardly over the riser to apoint no further than vertical alignment with the base thereof.
 17. Thebuilding structure as claimed in claim 15, wherein each of said unitscomprises a monolithic body provided with said slot therein andpresenting said pair of fingers extending longitudinally thereof, saidfingers of each unit above the lowermost unit projecting downwardlysubstantially in the direction of inclination of said components andinto said interlocking engagement with the adjacent unit therebelow. 18.A structural assembly comprising: a frame having a pair of spaced,inclined support components and a series of spaced, generally parallelmembers extending horizontally between said components and supportedthereby; and a series of elongated structural units, each of which isprovided with finger structure and has a longitudinal slot in the unitreceiving a corresponding member for support thereby as the units aresuccessively installed on the members, each of said units extendinglongitudinally along the corresponding member between said components incontinuous engagement with the member received within said slot in theunit, the finger structure of each unit projecting transversely thereof,and the end portion of the finger structure of one unit of each pair ofadjacent units being in engagement with the other unit of the pair, eachof said units engaged by the finger structure of an adjacent unit beingprovided with means interlocking the unit with the engaging end portionof the finger structure to lock the series of units together in a rigidassembly, each of said units being horizontally disposed and presentinga tread and a riser to provide a stairway, the tread of each unitoverlying the member received within the slot in the unit, each unitabove the lowermost unit having a base portion presenting the fingerstructure thereof engaging the next unit therebeneath adjacent the treadof the next unit.
 19. The assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein eachof said units comprises a monolithic body provided with said slottherein and presenting said finger structure, said slot being continuousthroughout the length of the body.
 20. The assembly as claimed in claim19, wherein said bodies of the units are composed of a rigid, syntheticresin material characterized by the property of being of relatively lowdensity but strong in compression, and wherein each of said members isrigidly secured at its ends to said components.
 21. The assembly asclaimed in claim 18, wherein said finger structure of each unitcomprises a pair of spacEd fingers.
 22. A structurally strong,lightweight stairway assembly comprising: a frame having a pair ofspaced, inclined support components and a series of spaced, generallyparallel members spanning said components and supported thereby in acommon plane, each of said members being rigidly secured at its ends tosaid components; and a series of elongated stair units, each having amonolithic body composed of a rigid, synthetic resin materialcharacterized by the property of being of relatively low density butstrong in compression, and provided with a longitudinal slot thereincontinuous throughout the length of the unit and receiving acorresponding member for support thereby as the units are successivelyinstalled on the members, each of said units extending longitudinallyalong the corresponding member between said components in continuousengagement with the member received within said slot in the unit, eachof said units being horizontally disposed and presenting a tread and ariser with said tread overlying the member received within the slot inthe unit, each of said units above the lowermost unit having a baseportion engaging the next unit therebeneath adjacent the tread of thenext unit and throughout its length to provide a continuous stairway ofsuccessive, uninterrupted risers and treads.
 23. A building structurecomprising: a frame having a series of spaced, generally parallelmembers; and a series of structural units, each of which has a pair offingers and a slot between said fingers receiving a corresponding memberfor support of the unit thereby as the units are successively installedon the members, each unit in its installed position on the correspondingmember being in interlocking engagement with an installed unit on anadjacent member to lock the series of units together in a rigidassembly, the fingers of one unit of each pair of adjacent unitsextending into said interlocking engagement with the other unit of thepair, each unit including an elongated, monolithic body composed of astructurally strong, rigid, synthetic resin foam material provided withsaid slot therein and presenting said pair of fingers extendinglongitudinally thereof, said fingers projecting transversely of the bodybeyond the member received therebetween.
 24. A building structurecomprising: a frame having a series of spaced, generally parallelmembers; and a series of structural units, each of which is providedwith finger structure and has a slot in the unit receiving acorresponding member for support thereby as the units are successivelyinstalled on the members, each unit in its installed position on thecorresponding member being in interlocking engagement with an installedunit on an adjacent member to lock the series of units together in arigid assembly, the finger structure of one unit of each pair ofadjacent units extending into said interlocking engagement with theother unit of the pair, said frame further having a pair of spacedsupport components extending generally orthogonally of said members, thelatter spanning said components and being supported thereby in a commonplane, each of said units being elongated and extending along thecorresponding member between said components whereby said frame andunits present a structural panel, there being a plurality of said panelsin side-by-side relationship with said components in parallelism andwith the components of adjacent panels abutting each other, and matingparts on said abutting components interlocking the same.
 25. A buildingstructure comprising: a frame having a series of spaced, generallyparallel members; and a series of structural units, each of which isprovided with finger structure and has a slot in the unit receiving acorresponding member for support thereby as the units are successivelyinstalled on the members, each unit in its installed position on thecorresponding member beIng in interlocking engagement with an installedunit on an adjacent member to lock the series of units together in arigid assembly, the finger structure of one unit of each pair ofadjacent units extending into said interlocking engagement with theother unit of the pair, said frame further having a pair of spacedsupport components extending generally orthogonally of said members, thelatter spanning said components and being supported thereby in a commonplane, each of said units being elongated and extending along thecorresponding member being said components whereby said frame and unitspresent a structural panel, there being a plurality of said panels inside-by-side relationship with said components in parallelism and withthe components of adjacent panels abutting each other, said membersbeing tubular and the members of adjacent panels being in alignment andcommunicating through the abutting components, whereby to providemechanical raceways in the panels.
 26. A building structure comprising:a frame having a series of spaced, generally parallel members; and aseries of structural units, each of which is provided with fingerstructure and has a slot in the unit receiving a corresponding memberfor support thereby as the units are successively installed on themembers, each unit in its installed position on the corresponding memberbeing in interlocking engagement with an installed unit on an adjacentmember to lock the series of units together in a rigid assembly, thefinger structure of one unit of each pair of adjacent units extendinginto said interlocking engagement with the other unit of the pair, saidframe further having a pair of spaced support components extendinggenerally orthogonally of said members, the latter spanning saidcomponents and being supported therein in a common plane, each of saidunits being elongated and extending along the corresponding memberbetween said components whereby said frame and units present astructural panel, there being a plurality of said panels in side-by-siderelationship with said components in parallelism and with the componentsof adjacent panels abutting each other, said components being ofelongated, transversely channel shaped configuration and each pair ofsaid abutting components being disposed to present a box member defininga mechanical raceway.
 27. A building structure comprising: a framehaving a series of spaced, generally parallel members; and a series ofstructural units, each of which has a pair of fingers and a slot in theunit receiving a corresponding member for support thereby as the unitsare successively installed on the members, each unit in its installedposition on the corresponding member being in interlocking engagementwith an installed unit on an adjacent member to lock the series of unitstogether in a rigid assembly, the fingers of one unit of each pair ofadjacent units extending into said interlocking engagement with theother unit of the pair, said frame further having a pair of spaced,inclined support components extending generally orthogonally of saidmembers, the latter extending horizontally between said components andbeing supported thereby in a common plane, each of said units beingelongated and extending along the corresponding member between saidcomponents, each of said units being horizontally disposed andpresenting a tread and a riser to provide a stairway.
 28. The buildingstructure as claimed in claim 27, whrein the riser of each unit iscanted with respect to the vertical from its base inwardly beneath thetread, said tread having a nose projecting outwardly over the riser to apoint no further than vertical alignment with the base thereof.
 29. Thebuilding structure as claimed in claim 27, wherein each of said unitscomprises a monolithic body provided with said slot therein andpresenting said pair of fingers extending longitudinally thereof, saidslot in eaCh unit being disposed between the fingers thereof, saidfingers of each unit above the lowermost unit projecting downwardlysubstantially in the directioon of inclination of said components andinto said interlocking engagement with the adjacent unit therebelow.